Brian O'Driscoll will learn on Monday if he will face disciplinary proceedings for his stamp on Simone Favaro in the defeat by Italy. The citing commissioner Aurwel Morgan, of the Welsh Rugby Union, has until 2.30pm to decide if the offence – which led to O'Driscoll being sent to the sin-bin after half an hour – warrants further action.

O'Driscoll, earning his 125th cap, lifted his right leg and brought it down on to the chest of Favaro, the Italy openside flanker, who yelled out in pain and writhed around on the Stadio Olimpico turf before looking up to the touchline.

It was an act born out of the 34-year-old centre's frustration as Favaro was lying on the wrong side of the ruck at a time when Ireland were struggling to assert themselves.

The incident clouded what some felt might be O'Driscoll's final game for Ireland, leading to further speculation, led by his former international team-mate Paul Wallace, that if he had decided to retire after the summer, he might now delay.

Although O'Driscoll has publicly stated his future is undecided, it is widely thought that the physical damage he has sustained recently may convince him to step down after the Lions tour this summer.

But his form has been strong, particularly in the opening match against Wales, suggesting to the Ireland coach, Declan Kidney, that he still has plenty to offer at Test level.

"Brian has had a strong Six Nations. He was outstanding against Wales and had a good match against France. I thought he did well against Italy too," Kidney said. "He's earned the space and time to be able to make up his own mind. Players are the only ones who know when the time is right to go."

Kidney's own future is in doubt after Ireland suffered their first defeat by Italy in the Six Nations and endured their worst performance of the championship since 1999. For the first time Kidney hinted that his stewardship, which reached a peak with the 2009 grand slam, might be over.

"I'd have to sit down and think about whether I want a new contract," he said. "These guys are a pleasure to work with but beyond that I'd have to sit back and think about it."